Click on the Add Layer button to select from a long list of coastal and marine layers to view in the map. Select a layer name to see information about a layer, including metadata and downloadable GIS data if available.

Explore the other tabs for more options.

Even seemingly strong sections of coastline, such as these cliffs on the Dingle Peninsula, are prone to erosion.

Coastline

The coastline of Ireland is a complex environment where land meets sea. Its shape changes over time, influenced by currents, weather, erosion, and human impacts to name a few.

Sea dunes located 20 nautical miles off the south coast of Co. Wexford are one example of seabed features.

Bathymetry of Irish Waters: GEBCO Contours

The bathymetry around Ireland is diverse, with smooth, shallow sea floor close to the coast, and steep slopes of the continental margin further to the south and west.

The Gollum channels in the Porcupine Seabight transported sediments to deeper waters thousands of years ago.

Irish National Seabed Survey MultiBeam Data

The Irish National Seabed Survey (INSS), begun in 2000 and conducted by the Geological Survey of Ireland in co-operation with the Marine Institute, is one of the largest seabed mapping projects ever undertaken. The survey of the territorial seabed has been split into three distinct surveying areas: 0-50m depth (Zone 1), 50-200m depth(Zone 2), 200-4500m depth (Zone 3, already completed).>> More Information

Among details displayed in the OSI / OSNI 1:50,000 Webmap Series are names of channels, such as Bull's Mouth in Blacksod Bay, Co. Mayo.

Ordnance Survey Basemaps

Ordnance Survey of Ireland and Northern Ireland provide base information such as towns, roads, counties and rivers for the Republic and Northern Ireland. In MIDA, the 1:450,000 scale basemap changes to the more detailed 1:50,000 scale basemap as you zoom in to coastal areas.

Zoom to a Region
or View a Subject Theme

Pull down the relevant menu, and then select the region or theme to view.